The ecosystem approach to health is a promising strategy in international development: lessons from Japan and Laos

1 Department of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University, 4-1-1 Nukuikita, Koganei 184-8501, Tokyo, Japan

2 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, 457-4 Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan

3 Department of Education, Shinshu University, 6-Ro, Nishinagano, Nagano 380-8544, Japan

4 Graduate School of International Health Development, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan

5 Faculty of Medicine, University of The Ryukyus, 207 Aza Uehara, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan